Murray said in a news release that MassDevelopment will provide up to $10,000 in matching grants to eligible organizations that will create innovative programs focused on educating students and the adults in their lives about advanced-manufacturing careers, which require many STEM-related skills. MassDevelopment is currently accepting applications for these matching grants. After the grants are awarded, MassDevelopment will work with the recipients on community-based programs and activities to dispel common misconceptions about manufacturing and bolster the prospective employee base for these quality jobs.

Murray said that $650,000 in state funding will expand a program known as the @Scale Initiative. The @Scale Initiative endorses statewide STEM projects and expands them across the state to reach more students and teachers.

Murray also announced $130,000 will be available through the state’s STEM Pipeline Fund to build on past programs and develop new messaging and communication to reach students, parents, educators and businesses on the value and importance of STEM education, jobs, and workforce development. •

Get the most up-to-date data on the Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts business community from the PBN List Center. Download and purchase PBN Lists as well as the complete Book of Lists in Excel format.